Will there be any issues if had a drainless tummy tuck before & now looking at a traditional tummy tuck?

Transitioning from a drainless tummy tuck to a traditional tummy tuck can certainly be feasible, but it's essential to consider several factors and discuss them thoroughly with your plastic surgeon. Here are some key points to consider:

Surgical Technique: Drainless tummy tucks typically involve techniques that allow for excess fluid to drain naturally from the surgical site without the need for drainage tubes. In contrast, traditional tummy tucks often involve the placement of drains to remove excess fluid and prevent the buildup of seroma (fluid accumulation). Your surgeon will need to adjust the surgical technique to accommodate the use of drains in a traditional tummy tuck.

Fluid Management: With a traditional tummy tuck, the presence of drains requires careful monitoring of fluid output and management of the drains during the postoperative period. Your surgeon will provide instructions on how to care for the drains, monitor fluid output, and when to have them removed.

Healing and Recovery: The transition from a drainless tummy tuck to a traditional tummy tuck may affect your healing and recovery experience. The presence of drains may impact your comfort level and mobility during the immediate postoperative period. Additionally, you may need to follow specific postoperative care instructions to ensure optimal healing and minimize the risk of complications.

Potential Benefits: There are potential benefits to using drains in a traditional tummy tuck, including reduced risk of seroma formation and improved control of postoperative fluid accumulation. Your surgeon may recommend a traditional tummy tuck with drains based on factors such as your anatomy, previous surgical outcomes, and the likelihood of fluid buildup.

Communication with Your Surgeon: It's crucial to communicate openly with your plastic surgeon about your previous surgical experience, your reasons for considering a traditional tummy tuck, and any concerns or preferences you may have. Your surgeon can provide personalized recommendations based on your individual circumstances and help you make an informed decision about the most appropriate surgical approach.

Ultimately, the decision to transition from a drainless tummy tuck to a traditional tummy tuck should be made in consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon who has experience in both techniques. They can assess your specific needs and goals and recommend the most suitable surgical approach to achieve the desired outcome.

Dear reno7790,
generally speaking, there is no contraindication for tummy tuck revision if you had drainless tummy tuck. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

There should be no issues performing a revision tummy tuck regardless if drains were used or not in a previous surgery. What would be done in a revision tummy tuck can be drainless as well. In my hands, I use progressive tension sutures to ensure proper adherence of abdominal skin/fat to the underlying muscle and optimized skin tension with a very low risk of seroma after surgery.

Revising a tummy tuck, especially transitioning from a drainless tummy tuck to a traditional tummy tuck, might involve different techniques and considerations. It's important to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon experienced in revision procedures who can assess your individual case, discuss your concerns, and provide guidance on the best approach to achieve your desired outcome while minimizing any potential issues related to the previous surgery.


I hope this helps,
best of luck !

Some surgeons use drains and some do not. I prefer drains to avoid any build up of fluid. if no drains are used and fluid does build up, it can simply be removed with a needle.

It is fine for you to have a revision to your tummy tuck and include the use of drains despite not having them for the original surgery. Drains are helpful to prevent seroma formation and promote healthy healing after a tummy tuck.

The fact that no drains were used during your first procedure, should not prevent you from getting a revision tummy tuck if indicated. You didn’t include it before and after pictures so we can’t really make an assessment.
If your previous provider is not available, then I suggest consult with other plastic surgeons in your community.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD